Grandma's Apron

Hello Ladies~

One of the items I consider part of my daily wardrobe is my apron.  It helps me feel like I've got work to focus on, but also protects my clothes.

My first apron I made, last year. No pattern, just brown butcher paper and tracing my old favorite.

 When I first started homemaking, I was taught by many seasoned homemakers that an apron will cut down on laundry by protecting your clothes, and lifts your mood so you get your mind into your work. Other than actually getting dressed and out of my morning walking clothes, this one thing helps do just what they've said.


My great-grandmother always had something tied on, either a waist type apron or full length.  It's something that through the years I have found it protects my clothing, but also helps my attitude towards my daily work.

Great-Grandma Gates

Here is my old faithful to the left. It is thread bare  from so much use, but I just love the vegetable teapots. The one on the right was a gift from a friend. The embroider is so lovely, and the pockets are teacups. This one is for those days I don't have much dirty work to do.

I'm told, even my granddaughters love to put on an apron at home so they can be like grandma. I love my girls!

There is one apron I have that is a sort of canvas that wraps all the way around, but I don't usually wear much anymore.

Here is a fun apron I found.  It has Cinderellas carriage on it. I use to wear it on light cleaning days and pretend like my prince will be home soon.  Today, I am older and wiser and wear a full apron.

My Cinderella apron


Here is a story I found years ago, it's not coming out in a picture so I will type it for you:

     "I don't think our children understand what an apron is. The principal use of the cotton pinafore was to protect the dress underneath because a woman often had very few. It was also easier to launder aprons than dresses.

     An apron served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for blotting children's tears. From the chicken coop, an apron was a pouch for carrying eggs, fussy chicks and sometimes half-hatched eggs headed to a warming oven.

     When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. When the weather turned cold, Grandmother would wrap it around her chilled arms. Those big old aprons moped many a perspiring brow, whether bent over a hot wood stove or picking snap peas in the garden.  Her apron served as a carrier for kindling and wood ships brought into the kitchen to stoke the fire.  From the garden, it carried the fresh vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

     Come Autumn, the apron bundled the apples indoors for preparing apple butter and pies.  When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.  Toys and showed were toted to bedrooms in it as well.

     When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out on to the porch and waved her apron as an alert to the menfolk to come in from the fields for her buttery biscuits.

     Times have changed. While Grandmother once set her hot baked pies in the window sill to cool, her granddaughters set theirs out to thaw. There are many cooks today that would fret over the stains and germs on Grandmother's apron...but it is doubtful that anyone caught anything form her apron but love."

I don't know where I got this, I've had it for so many years. But I thought you may enjoy it.  

Done your apron proudly, it shows there is work to be done!

Wishing you peace,

Mrs. Peterson

Homemakers Self Care

A vintage book explains possible self care through the week. 

Hello Ladies~

Recently I was reminded of the need for self care, even for homemakers. I tend to go from morning to night and only to be left too exhausted for a movie, games or even much conversation. I collapse into bed from doing too much or too much physical exertion which also leaves me not sleeping well. We need energy to sleep too, and being too exhausted I don't sleep well.

This lovely description above talks about the need to do something each day. While I'm not so sure showering once a week is for me, I do take to the idea of doing something daily for self care.

Some things I have come across through my years of homemaking:

* Take time for a simple beauty routine - about 30 min a day, to dress, hair done, and some lotion maybe even tinted lip balm (always makes me smile). Have you brushed your teeth today? Dressing and putting on a watch or bracelet helps me feel more put together.

* Next is daily exercise for 15 min - I walk. While recovering from  a health condition, I walk daily and find some sort of light weight, tai chi, or stretching routine done daily lifts my spirits and helps keep aging bodies mobile. :-)

* Here we come to a daily rest for 15 min. This is so refreshing. After being up since 5:30 or 6 if I want to be pleasant to husband, family or neighbors...I need a 15 min rest sometime after lunch.  If my morning has been too physically taxing I take my rest before lunch. It's so wonderful I get giddy!

* And finally we come to the end of the day with a 15 min before bed self care time.  A bath and applying lotion to face and body is what I read, but I can't shower before bed. My hair gets dented like one of those cow's licked me in the night! It's not pretty. So I like to shower late afternoon, but before I make dinner. Usually by 3 or 3:30 I shower and change into "lounge" clothes. Since once I start dinner I am usually not going any where, nor do I receive company in the evening hours - usually. I have been dressed and put together all day, now it's time to relax and start a nutritious supper.

Last night I found this phrase in the book I am reading "The Grace of Enough" by Haley Stewart: "When we allow ourselves to notice God's creation, we see His fingerprints everywhere. Our wonder and attention to the beauty of the world point us to our Creator".  This is so obvious to me, when I have taken the time in my day for self care, I am more open seeing God's finger prints around me.  Whether on a walk, or sitting on my porch glider whatching a rich sunset here in Colorado. The day feels complete. I have taken care of me, I have done a bit of work, I have done something I enjoy and now I can thank the One who gave it all to me.

Please don't copy the image unless you contact me first. Thank you.  This is the sunset from out front porch. God was having fun with color this night.

Wishing you God's peace,
Mrs. Peterson

"My" cows

Meet "my"cows!

Hello ladies,

I thought I'd share something dear to me, only because they come around once a year for a few weeks then they are gone.

"My" cows.

The herd to the right.

And to the left. There are many this year!

Our home backs a very large ranch and I get the wonderful privilege of seeing and watching these cows, but don't have to tend to them.   Usually "we have" about 150 - 200, but this year far exceeded that.  And we also had a few bulls in the mix. That is very unusual too.

It is just mesmerizing for us when we sit on our front porch that faces north and watch them move.
They move a little bit here and a little bit there. Not in a hurry, usually.

Then there are the bulls. Three of them, head to head, kicking up dirt and going in circles. There was always 2 or 3 little ones running to see "what is going on".  All the "ladies"...minding their own business eating. Probably thinking "oh, there they go again. Trying to see who is the head honcho!"

Husband talking with the little ones. There is a fence there, but just barely able to see it. I can hardly imagine taking care of a place like that, or the cost!

So I took a few pictures hoping to share. My husband had to go tend to the pipes for our water for the pastures.  We get water every 2 weeks and use the white irrigation pipe to get the water down to our pasture and yard.  There was a little guy so curious and he stayed close enough so my husband bent down to talk to him. So cute!

The light grey one here is the one I call "my mama cow". She has been with the herd for at least 4 years.  I always hope we can adopt her, though I know nothing about cows other than they shouldn't be left in the rain storms and snow! And they all deserve a name other than "steak"! I'm often corrected in this slight misunderstanding from the local ranchers and neighbors whose family raise cows. They still don't see my point.

Needless to say I get the eye roll each year when I speak of adopting "mama cow".  He says he doesn't want to rescue ME from the rain storm or snow trying to take care of the cows! So, no cows are in my future. Except the ones the ranch so kindly lets into this part of their pastures for 3-4 weeks a year.

Oh well.  Probably a good thing.  I don't like stinky things, flies or bugs.

Have a great week.

Peace be with you,
Dee

My cozy craft room

My little inspiration corner.  I don't keep the candle lit while I weave.   My nickname is Lucy (like I love Lucy) and I know better than to tempt.   My little bird here is cousin to the other 3 in my kitchen.

Hello Ladies~

This week I want to share where I create.  There are many years I didn't have a craft room.  It was a corner of the dining room, or the dining table itself.  One tour overseas, it was the corner of the living room.

Today, older & wiser (at least from experience), I have learned it's necessary for me to have my own space. With children grown and gone and my husband's office is our 3rd bedroom, it's very easy for me to stay too busy with homemaking and trying to keep things appealing and cozy. That is creative too, but I like something in addition to that.

Prayer time this morning and journaling, the memories of how easy it is for me to allow all the "little" things of home fill my days.

I need creative time.  My temperament needs it, and my spirit.

There have been many books of old that speak of the necessity of having daily "recreation" or creative time. A break in the day, even for 15 minutes, to sit and write a lovely letter, crochet a bit on a project, putter in the garden and tidy, or create a basket.

For me, basket weaving is one of the many things I enjoy but can be a couple of days project. One basket can take a minimum of 4 hours from start to finish. More detailed handles (my special touch) can add 2 to 3 hours on top of that.

I enjoy it.   Please join me in my "studio" and bring a bit of tea, I love to visit while I weave...

Here is my table where most of my work is done. Whether weaving, sewing, clay bears angels, or learning silk ribbon embroidery (thank you FlowerLady!). I am creating a pattern here.  I made that small basket  in the picture years ago and it holds my clips, ribbons, and pony tails.  I didn't have a pattern anywhere so I am measuring the reed sizes and writing it down. 

 

The base is being laid. Water in the bucket on the floor has the reed for weaving the sides. The coil on the floor behind me is how it comes when I order it.  I keep them put away in bags or I look like a cat all tangled up in yarn, except the yarn is the reed all wound up around me! Trust me, I won't have a picture of that one.

Done! A cute little catch all.  I will stain it with Min-wax wood stain, I like Oak. It gives baskets an "old time" feeling.  I have hopes to make a few along with some other things I love (soap apron covers, flower pins for winter coats, handmade dishcloths  etc) and sell them at the winter craft show....but I keep giving the baskets away as gifts! My cousin just got one with a handle that was really cool! Her birthday is coming and I wanted her to have something fun that I made.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the little tour of weaving. It was fun to have you.  

A few years ago we had folks from church here for dinner. The ladies wanted to see my "studio" and  it inspired 2 of them. One friend, she had never seen or heard of the idea of crafting.  Within the month she bought yarn and a crochet needle and made a long scarf for her son. Her first project! I was so proud of her.

Last weekend she dropped off a mask for me. Pink with white polk dots and she crocheted the loops out of a lovely soft white yarn.  I was so impressed! From a lady who had never heard of crafting!

Have a lovely week, stay cool!  An old time homemaking tip to keep cool: ladies would take down their curtains and dip them in a bathtub of water, re-hang them and the air passing through cools the room.  I have used a squirt bottle and sprayed them.

It also works on sheets. Spritz your sheets before bed, the cool air will allow you to sleep for a bit until the air cools down.

May God's peace be with you,

Mrs. Peterson

Sunday Outing

A warm hello Ladies~

This past Sunday we took my mother in law to Silverton for the day. First time for us to go out since March.  It was a lovely drive, a bit more people there than I expected but almost everyone had masks on.  Some of my favorite stores are not open yet.

I hope you enjoy the pictures.  It's always nice to go. We try to go at least once a year (not in Winter!).

Silverton stands at about 9,800 ft above sea level. It's a tiny little town in the mountain valley that originally was where miners landed to mine, guess...Silver! Hence "Silverton".  There are other minerals there as well. You may see some of the old tailing piles in the pictures. Some mines are still active, but I don't know much about them.

Enjoy!

This is the only highway into Silverton. It switches back and forth, if you look across the other side you can see the road we will drive after the bend.

Here, we are on the bend. The road to the right was what we drove on, and we are headed to the left. Notice - no railings! The only railings are at the last peak just before you descend into Silverton.  Needless to say I don't talk to the driver much and do a lot of praying.  I don't like heights so a few of these pictures where taken then had to look to the left to see the mountain side.

There is Silverton!  That tiny little town in the mountain valley.  The orange by the picture is the color of the dirt there due to all the minerals in the mountains.

Railing! Getting close. Look across to the mountain side in front of us.  Where the lighter color is, I believe is a "tailing pile" (what gets left after they have mined.)

Silverton. Cutest town ever!  (to me) You can see the train tracks here as well. That train is one of the last coal burning train in the US (there may be one more).  From Durango to Silverton, by train at 13mph...takes 5 hours. 

Mountains just before the town entrance. The colors are the minerals.

Welcome! The whole town is a National Historic District. 

 The only grocery store. When I first met my husband and he took me here, I fell in love with it and wanted to move there. At the time the grocery store owner talked to me about the snow.  He walked me out the door and pointed to the roof line and said "yes, ma'am. We get snow. It is usually up to that roof line for most of the winter. Roads get closed and the only way in or out is helicopter"  Changed my mind after that! Now I just love to visit.

A fun picture.  An old Ford, and a new "Razor". I wish those would be outlawed!

Here is the train station. It is still functioning and used 3 times a day when the train runs. (No train now due to pandemic, but they do bring a LOAD of supplies up for them now and then.) 

Down the side you can see benches.The train turns here and pulls right into town. Tourists can get off, have lunch and shope for about 2 hours. Then the 5 hour journey back.

This was a restaurant back in 1912. It still is on one side, then an art studio on the right.  Lovely place with good food.

Here we are in The Grand hotel in Silverton. I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of the outside.  They just did major renovations last year and updated electrical. Praise be to God! There is a store in town that burned down  a few months ago due to electrical problems. The firemen saved the buildings to the right and left of that one. Back to the Grand Hotel here, There are original furnishings here.  Well to do folks who came to check on their "money" (silver) would stay here, as well as their family. Miners and "ladies of the night" did not stay here. There is a whole street, one block down, that had a row of brothels. Just part of the history of a mining town.

When I was in college, I remember furniture was designed based on the fashion and women's dresses. To be able to accommodate them when they sat down or socialized.  This is a very large chair and the ladies probably had bustles that they needed the space.


Well, That's it.  Time to go feed my husband and I lunch.  I hope you enjoyed the little  "outing" with me.

Peace be with you,
Mrs. Peterson

Baskets, sewing and soapsuds

Hello Ladies~

small market basket

I just finished and mailed this cute little basket. A friend of my husband requested a small one for his side table.

This one is woven with the handle is part of the base, so it is very strong, though the handle is flexible.

The natural color is more of a cream, and I chose to stain it in Golden Oak. I like the way the color turned out. It looks antique.

I am going to be doing a bit of patch work sewing today and some repairs of tiny holes in favorites. Like a pale pink of warm, soft socks I love but have worn a hole in them from many uses through winters.

There is a booklet I found to teach me how to do this:

A booklet from 1942 I found that explains in detail how to repair clothing so they last just a bit longer.

This sign was next to a store I drove by when I lived in Ohio and drove to an Amish/Mennonite bulk store each week.

A bit of spiritual inspiration before I go. Early in the morning when I am doing my walking in our little make shift gym, I like to listen to the AM station that has many wonderful sermons, hymns, and 2 min inspirational moments.  Many are current, but some are from days long ago.

There is a favorite of mine that comes on and makes me smile. It's called Sunshine on the Soapsuds by Beneath Jones. She always address the homemaker in a way that is uplifting and from her experience. And makes me think.

Todays was about worry.  She shared how she worries about her husband and all his conferences, she worries about how so many people want his time even into the evening, she worries about things she is doing. But noticed her prayer time is general. "Lord, please protect my husband today and bless him."

The question posed: shouldn't our prayer time be full of the details and our worries be more general? Then our minds can be on the Lord more rather than worried about the details of things.

This really meant a lot to me, since I worry in details but pray in general.  Tonight as I kneel by my bed and tomorrow morning in my prayer time I want to practice praying in detail and then letting go of my worries.

Have a lovely afternoon,
Mrs. Peterson

Anniversary Camp trip

Hello Ladies~

We just got back from a little 3 day camp trip for our anniversary.  Since we have been back in Colorado for a few years, we have always tried to go on that weekend because "way back when", this same campground was our "honeymoon".

We couldn't afford anything. We even borrow the tent and sleeping bags from my in-laws. Thankfully today, we no longer sleep on the ground (it takes to long to try to get up!) and we have a small camper.  I wanted to share a few fun pictures and a couple "camp" sweets we like.

Here is our little camper with an attached screen room, helps keep bugs out!

Camping on the river. It's so mezmerizing to watch. I realized, it flows not matter the time of day. Unlike God's creatures  that sing in the morning and are quiet in the evening.

My husband's morning helper. He was right above the fire and talked to us every morning.

I have learned, just because you are camping doesn't mean you have to stink, dress like a man, or not enjoy some luxuries - like a camper that smells heavenly from lavender, lemon and peppermint (this combo helps greatly with allergies).

An afternoon downpour. Much needed but left Mr. P scrambling to keep water from pooling on the screened room door.

"Camp cookies" - aka Chocolate chip cookies (g/f, d/f, sugar free too) see recipe below.

Sorry these are sideways, but this is a favorite, at least for me.  I used to be a Girl Scout leader when we lived in Okinawa years ago. It was there I learned about the baked bananas. Slice a banana and stuff it with Chocolate chips and, if desired, marshmallows (I don't like marshmallows).

Next, wrap in foil, but I add parchment so the foil is touching the banana directly.

After 20-30 min over the side of a camp fire, or 375 in the oven, unwrap and scoop out the warm melted banana. It is very tasty.

Now for the "Camp Cookies" recipe. You know they really are not camp cookies, but it's fun to call them that. I have been gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free for about 18 years. These are the best cookies I have made. I really think the butter is the key. They are crunchy not cake-like.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (gluten-free, sugar-free)  - from Heavenly Organics

1 1/2 c. Flour (I use Bob's Red Mill All Purpose)

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp Salt

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. honey

1 tsp vanilla

1 c. chocolate chips

Oven at 300.  

Mix: flour, soda, salt in a small bowl.

Blend butter and honey. Add flour mix.

Add chocolate chips.

Cover with plastic wrapped let sit in frig for 30 min (key! don't omit)

Scoop out spoonfuls on parchment and bake 20 min.

Cool.

Make tea and enjoy your treat.

Have a lovely afternoon.

Wishing you God's peace,

Mrs. Peterson

New garden beds with carpet!

J.R. Miller - Homemaking

Hello Ladies,

I just wonder, did the title of this post floor you! No pun intended.

Last summer at one of the few yard sales out here in the country, I met a woman who was 84 and has gardened here on the mesa her whole life.  For those who don't know about the mesa here in southern Colorado, well, it's flat, windy, and there is so many bindweed that it will make a gardener weep! and give up.

Which is what has happened to me through the few years we have lived here.

Until now. (so exciting!)

The lovely woman listened as I explained that I've given up gardening for now. That due to a health condition I manage that limits how much energy I can expend all in one swoop, I just can't keep up with the bindweed, dry conditions and garden.  She smiled and took me to her garden and showed me her secret to preserving her energy. 

Carpet!

Taking scrap carpet, remnants, or a piece you found on sale and lay it on the ground. Place your garden bed on top of it and the fill it. But most importantly:

DON'T DISTURB THE SOIL.  

Oh those words. If only someone would have told me that before we tilled, poked, planted and filled that amazing garden I designed when we moved here. I have heard those words from several folks including Nursery owners. 

You see, one bindweed seed can stay alive for almost 80 years. And the shoots of one seed go 20 feet horizontal and 30 feet down! Once they hit daylight, they sprout. With no water. With no invitation. 

And I can pull them out by the arm load and they will be fully regrown within 2 weeks. They grow up the cedar slats on the side of our house, they grow through concrete cracks, the grown through the screen door on the patio. 

So the amazing thing is - we did this. We found a large piece of carpet, the cheapest we could find, and put it down on the ground closer to the house rather than out near the pasture.

What's cool is the young man that helped me look for a cheap piece, after I explained why, he said "oh you must live on the mesa. I grew up out there and my dad used to do the same thing to all of our flower beds."  WOW!  

So I am not so weird after all. Just a way to learn to work with nature, rather than fight against it and burn too much energy.

Now, I like to be different, but carpet in the garden?...check it out:

This is the final creation, done by the fellows that help with the bindweed. They re-used everything from where the garden used to be in the pasture area, and moved it here. This is so much more elaborate than I expected. I was in the house as they worked, and it's just wonderful. Cozy little place for me to garden. Right by the hoses, and the back door.

Can  you see the carpet? It's one piece, just hiding under the mulch. There was so much mulch in the other garden , they were able to use it all and lightly cover the carpet.


Have a lovely day! I hope this inspires you to be creative and think outside the box :-)

If you want to see lovely blooms, please check out FlowerLadyLoraine's blog. I go there often to see color and blooms!

Know your worth

I love to collect heart rocks. They remind me to love myself as God loves me.

Hello Ladies~

Just popping in to share a quote:  "Know your worth, then add Tax!"


If we search for our worth in our husband's opinion, neighbors, friends, or even ourselves on how "together" we are with our home, then we will always be disappointed and heavy hearted.

But, if we read what Scriptures tell us who we are and meditate on God's love for YOU...(not "us", big difference in our thinking) we will find our worth isn't in what we do, or what someone says about us.

Those are bonus'. Our worth is a beautiful place to see in God's eyes and our journey is where we are going when we are done walking this earth.  We are promised a place in Heaven.

Know your worth, then add tax! You are worthy.

Worthy of??  Worthy of lotion on your feet. Worthy of sitting with a cup of tea outside after dinner...alone.  Worthy of lunch with a friend (even if you both pack your own!) Worthy of a new set of pajamas.

There are so many women I know, we sacrifice ourselves for others. While we are called to do this as a Christian, we are not called to do it at the expense of our self worth or our health.

That is a post for another day.

God's peace be with you,
Mrs. Peterson

Fear or Faith

Hello Ladies~

Well, we are all living in a historical time period. One woman calls it an "interesting time".  Indeed.

I had written this blog post over a week ago, and much has changed even since then, but I still feel called to post it. Probably for my own good.

Fear or Faith

This is a little wooden plaque on my bookcase in the living room. 

There is so much gossip, rumors, etc. And not much else to talk about, except the current events, with folks. Or is there?

As a homemaker charged with my home, am I living my duties? Or am I lost in the news and fear?

It is my responsibility to see to the needs of my husband and family. To tend to necessities cleanliness, and this includes a happy home.

What can I do to create a happy home? Even in this time of trial?

I can practice my Faith!  For me, my faith tells me I act daily in prudence, thoughtfulness, wisdom, and most of all Trust that God has all of this and is very aware of what we are going through. We have the opportunity as homemakers to live our faith, speak of it to our family, encourage and uplift.

As a homemaker, my job has just ramped up a bit.  To plan family games, to keep my health stable and my mindset on the One who can help me.  I do that with morning prayer time, and evening devotion time with my husband, and most of all when family calls from other states to just talk "details". Details that bring down my spirit.  I can practice my faith in those phone calls to/from others.  Speaking of how we do our part and let Him handle the rest. Living in the "oh my gosh" doesn't help my faith. Nor lift my spirits to Him. It takes me farther from Him.

Even as my husband may get into the news, I can provide a loving gesture to help get his mind off of all that is out there.  Hot tea on the porch to watch the sunset maybe? Questions like: where did you see God in your day? or affirmations of : when you were cleaning out the garage, I was so impressed with your strength. Can you show me all the work you did? or finding a funny video/movie we own and playing that while we eat?

I read once, this concept with Lydia from Home Living, that we are charged as homemakers to create a happy home.  She also went as far as to share how important it is to be mindful of what we watch and listen to.  Since this disrupts our peacefulness and clear headedness so we can keep things on a rhythm.

Rhythm is so important especially during this time. I will write later on my current rhythm, but many especially children and spouses, lean on us as homemakers for that rhythm.
I pray you are all well and consider expanding your perceptions from the events day to day in the world, to the events in your home and how blessed you are to contribute to the joy and peace in your own home by what you plan, cook and how you fill your time.

God bless you,

Mrs. Peterson

Ash Wednesday

Happy Lent!

This time of year I hear so many talk about giving up coffee, or giving up chocolate.

Well, I read an interesting article last weekend.  It was harsh.  "Will giving up ___  help you right now to grow closer to Jesus Christ? " "Will it help you hear God's voice amidst the noise we are flooded with (including cell phone's dinging for attention)?"

Um. No.

Not for me.

So this Lent I am trying a different approach. I have heard many ideas and here are a few:

For Fasting: fasting from the internet - minus emails, fasting from seasonings on your food, choose foods you can eat but just don't care for, fast from You Tube, fast from checking your email more than once a day,  when you notice you are craving your "fast"- pray for those that don't know God or have turned from Him.

Prayer: sitting with Jesus in prayer for 30 min a day, reading reflections on the gift God gave us and His Love for us, Meditating on the Joys of Lent - ie Mary's yes - her obedience to God's will & how can you be more obedient to His will. Also Jesus' love for you, or there are 7 Penitential Psalms - you can do one a day or one on each Friday.

Almsgiving: clean out your closet and donate the items each week, empty your change each day into a jar and bring that to church or your favorite charity on Good Friday, give of your time to a widow or someone in your church or community who would love a smiling face and cup of tea.

I typically can't fast due to the health condition I manage, but I CAN fast from other things: seasonings on my food, my favorite tea, the internet searches, buying, buying books etc. I have done all of these in the past. I will say not having the internet and not buying where the 2 years that was the most profound for me.

The article mentioned above, spoke of that which keeps us "sucked in" or draws us to the point that we don't even know how we got there...again. THAT is what we should fast for Lent.

Give that to Jesus as a Thank You for His overwhelming Love for you, and see how He Loves you back by the end of Lent.

Peace be with you,
Mrs. Peterson

**update: This past week I had a gentle reminder from Scripture that when you fast or pray, do so in the quiet of your room...not out for everyone to see. Well, I missed that one by posting all I intend to do this Lent. So I have deleted my intentions and listed options I've heard from others. :-) **

A gazing soul

"Faith is a gazing soul to the saving God"

I heard this last week at a women's ecumenical Bible study I attend. I love this. 

New beginnings

Our bird feeder with "deer protection" around it.

Hello Dear ladies~

I am going to write this post similar to a lovely woman's blog called Laine's Letters.  You may remember her blog posts.  I really enjoyed them and I understand you can find some still at WayBack dot com.

There are so many things that have been happening that this is the easiest way for me to keep updated  here. I hope you are doing well.

In the past few years I have learned to greatly reduce my "social" calendar from mid November until after early January. The health condition I manage worsens from physical or emotional stress and this system is the best I've found to be able to enjoy the holidays without the added burden of "I must" or "but I should" on my plate.  As I age, those words are a distant memory.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving.  My husband and I stayed in a tiny little cabin on a lake about an hour north of us.  We were only there 2 days since that was easiest on the budget but just enough time to have a lovely get away. They had their first snow storm while we were there. It was a little alarming as the roof was made of metal and the snow dropping from the pine trees was loud. But the cozy fire and window facing the lake, no cell phone service and no DVD...only VHS made it a memorable weekend.  The office carried a large variety of VHS and we had fun reminiscing.  

The first week of December we decided to adopt an 8mo puppy from the Humane Society. Where we live that's really the only place to get pets. No stores, and very little breeders. He is a terrier mix, and we didn't know then that they have an abundance of energy.  His name was Bennett, and since we had an emergency the next day with my husband, family came to help and after a few days "Bennett" was already answering to his name, so we chose Mr. Bennett.  (Very different than the last 3 Boxers we've had).

The next morning my dear husband woke me to tell me I needed to take him to the ER.  I haven't known him to go to the hospital for anything in 30 years.  I thought it was the stomach flu so treated him with Charcoal tabs and peppermint tea, but no avail.  So we started at the local surgical ER and after many hours there and a CT scan and ultrasound, he had gallbladder issues.  We were lovingly but firmly sent directly to the larger hospital for surgery.

By the end of the day the surgeon came to talk to me and verified his gallbladder was full of stones.  Though I knew that, we could see them on the ultrasound..they would ROLL inside his gallbladder.  The surgeon was inquiring if he ever showed symptoms because half of this gallbladder was gangrene!  Oh my!  The Dr said any longer and sepsis could have set in. Praise be to God for a specialist on staff for his surgeon that day.  God is so good.  Family came up to help the new puppy, be with dad, and make sure I ate. I am grateful.

It was a few days later I knew the puppy was too much. But we decided to try to keep him. We still have him, but this is the longest it's taken me to recover from anything in a very long time.  I am grateful my husband is well and a clean bill of health and he plays with the puppy and takes him out the most. Again, God is good.  He provides for my needs.

I missed a grandson's Bday and my youngest daughters Bday, but I enjoyed boxing up the gifts and mailing them. And they really enjoyed getting mail with fun balloons and bubbles in their box along with their gift.  I love to give things that are fun!  We don't get enough mail these days, so I have made it a point to mail "gift boxes" of birthday theme things.  I have been know to mail a Bday crown and a favorite cookie with a homemade gift of sorts. With what I get - I love to give.

My birthday came and went quietly.  My husband and I went on a date night and I counted it as my birthday. We saw Little Women in the theatre - matinee - and split a small box of popcorn.  We haven't done that in ages. Then we went for a gluten free pizza, that they charged way too much for, but I saved half and froze it for a movie night at home.  We are so blessed with being able to share together things we love.

In the past week, I have chosen to re-work my weekly plan and am making blogging my once a week enjoyment, hopefully on Mondays.  I am also choosing to stay home more and with the help of my husband we looked at all the things I do and how much energy they take.  I was definitely doing too many things.  In God's Wisdom, He allowed me to make my choices, and now I get to make new ones that give me the chance to go to a women's ecumenical Bible study once a week and still manage our home with energy in reserve.

The other major change I am making is changing my weekly grocery run to every other week.  Since I have limited energy, and by Grace while looking at my week, the idea of getting groceries every 2 weeks was very exciting.  I sang praises to God for this, and when I settled on the idea, I am going to do the health food store 1 week and Walmart 2 weeks later.  I used to do this in Ohio, but were we live now, we are very limited on grocery stores.  The local one that is a big name is also the main one for anyone who comes to town, including tourists, so it gets too busy and too stimulating for my calm nature.  

My word this year that I am focusing on is Joy. My thinking has gotten to wrapped up in my symptoms, my "I can't" thinking and others always asking about "How ARE you?"  But those are questions that focus on symptoms.  I want to focus on the good and recovery.  So I tend to pause a lot more and practice a new way to phrase my words when my husband says "how was your day?", "I stepped outside my recovery a bit, but I'm getting back on track." or "I am making progress thank you".  These help my brain and body to believe and act on that rather than only focus on the negitive. God is all Good, all the time.  So why do I need to focus on or talk about the bad!

Today, we took Mr.Bennett and went on a lovely drive through the next two towns.  Seeing the horses rolling in the snow made me laugh.  And the reminder to play, even in the midst of your day.  So I am off to crochet some chair leg covers I learned from gDonna.com.  She is a lovely women that her and her husband like to do a year living in an older time frame. Her last one was 1949!

May God bless you and fill you with Peace,

Mrs. Peterson

Margins

Afternoon Blueberry tea with real blueberries and whipped cinnamon honey.

Hello Ladies,

With past experience of a very busy holiday season, I have learned fatigue and physical exhaustion set in quickly if I don't keep to boundaries.  I have realized these boundaries are for me, not for me to impose on family.

So far in the past 45 days I have foreseen the upcoming months and said no to many social "extras" I was doing.  Like a lovely women's Bible study I attend when I can, and also a few women from church trying to plan a retreat day each month...even in November and December.

In saying no, my boundaries are pushed by almost everyone.  But I know it's best for me to be able to go through the season with joy in my heart and praising God for Jesus.

A week and a half after Christmas is my birthday, and last year I was so exhausted I didn't want to be around anyone for my birthday. It saddened me, but the mental and physical exhaustion was to great. I only wanted a quiet sleigh ride.  My blessed husband granted me that one wish. And it was beautiful.

This topic brings me back to women of years past.  The ones who I have read about, and who I have heard through those who have lived in the early 1900's.

Women did things with family, and guarded her energy and family time.  It was lovely to travel to spend time with family, but never at the expense of her health or her children. She didn't have the amount of media in her life as we do today, yet she had very clear boundaries.

If we recall for a moment, the times before cell phones and media, the planning that was involved in creating a lovely atmosphere at home.  And the big plans for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

These are stressful enough, but adding in the media and texting that is expected now, and all the wonderful shows and gatherings,  it creates an added burden of stress.

As a women and mom, I find in my older years, I don't like to add too much to my schedule so I like to create Margins.  If you have never read the book, I highly recommend it.  It gave me insights and "permission" if you will to say No.  To hold to my reasons why, and to know God will bless me in my no.

In my journey with my health, years ago, I heard of a phrase which I still use today: Pigs at a trough.  Using this phrase helps me explain to others my no.  So if there are 3 pigs at a trough and a 4th comes up and pushes his way in, then one of the 3 gets pushed out.  That's just the way it is.

If I am managing meals and my home for my husband and I, managing my health with daily rests and watching the amount of activities I am involved in, I have a little time left for things for me.  If that time is filled with planning and grandchildren then I can't do many errands. If that time is filled with errands and a family gathering then I can't do additional family or social events.

Lets say I have space in my week for 1 major event.  Well, if my children and grandchildren get together, then I say no to lunch with a friend that week.

If there are only 24 hours in a day...we can't squeeze in 26 or 27 just by going faster or more meticulous planning.  We get 24 hours.

This holiday season from November and into December I am using Margins and the phrase "pigs at a trough" to help me navigate through so I can be joyful and grateful.  If I miss out on a few things then that is what I must do so I can remain happy and available for my husband, tend to our home and see my grandchildren.

Wishing you a peaceful November and planning season for Christmas.

Mrs. Peterson

Seasons in daily life

"Woman harvesting" graphic from Graphic Fairy

Hello Ladies~

For many years I have been interested in the seasons, as God gave to us.  Many Christian church's have changes through the seasons, and from hundred's of years ago this was because people were mostly an agricultural people.

Today, I see, for me, not only the changes in our seasonal church activities, but also as a woman. There are natural tendencies that happen in the fall.  Like "nesting". Or becoming more aware of the needs of the family to prepare for winter.

Reading things like homeschooling with Waldorf ways ( I didn't homeschool, but have found the rhythms of nature and celebrations according to the seasons appealing to me). Most any book you find from the 1800's on homemaking (free online with archive library.org) will show how women thought about the seasons, and how not only the food changes, but the crafting and clothing as well.

Also fascinating is how our daily life is this way.  We wake up, usually (unless you have a health project you manage) we wake with a bit of energy and it increases by noon, the high point of the day, only to feel that natural afternoon fatigue that asks us to stop for a bit and rest before we start winding down into evening meal preparations and the quiet of the evening.

I won't go into how screen time, smart phones, and blue lights affect this.  Please educate yourself though, it is proven to affect our brains.

So, back to seasons and rhythms of our day.  An article I read recently, I apologize I don't know the name of it, spoke of the daily activities being either more "masculine" which is the doing part, and more "feminine" which is the rest & nuture part.

Being a homemaker for almost 20 years, I can certainly see this in myself, but my body due to long time health limitations, requires the rest side.

I think for so many years I was/and sometimes still am, a "doer".  I can "do from sun up after prayer time, to the lights out at bed.

Now I need and long for the balance of the "feminine"  rest & nurture. I thrive when I do this.  And my moods and the transition through menopause is a bit easier.

When I was first a homemaker, after years of working, I read an amazing article that made sense. It was called "When Queens Ride by " Agnes Sligh Turnbull. The website this link is for is not the original place I saw it, but she did an amazing job putting it into a PDF to read.

It speaks of being more feminine.  We need this in our world.  Old red flannel pants - as a religious sister I know refers to the devil- does not want us, as women to be feminine, either by dress or by nature.

The drive to do, to be...takes us out of our natural desire to nurture.

I hope you will find enjoyment in the article, and look at balance your day and your seasons with what God has created. It's beautiful to see His hand in this when we abide.

Blessings to you,
Mrs. Peterson